Kolkata's Scottish Church College Withdraws Ban On Short Skirts, Message On T-Shirts

A woman holds a placard as messages written by people are seen in the background at the Delhi "SlutWalk" in New Delhi, India, Sunday, July 31, 2011. There were no short skirts, fishnet stockings or lingerie on display that were the staple of other global "SlutWalk" marches as hundreds gathered in India's capital on Sunday to protest sexual violence against women.The event condemned the notion widely held in this traditional society that a woman's appearance can explain or excuse rape and sexual harassment. In India, public sexual taunting or even groping of women, locally known as "Eve teasing", is common. (AP Photo/Mustafa Quraishi)

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Authorities at the prestigious Scottish Church College in Kolkata have withdrawn the dress code banning short skirts and messages on T-Shirts which was issued over the weekend.

An economics teacher told ANI that the dress code was only "advice" given to the students.

No dress code was given, students were only advised: Dr. Moshmi, Economics teacher on alleged short skirt ban in Kolkata college

A notice put up on the college's notice board has said that in order to maintain propriety and proper atmosphere in college campus, the dress code would have to be followed by the students. A section of students said that they would stage protests seeking withdrawal of the dress code.

"Clothing worn to the college should reflect the seriousness and importance of the learning environment. Therefore, students' attire is expected to be based on modesty, neatness and safety on the campus," said the notice put up by the college authorities which has drawn immediate protests.

"The college recommends that students come to college in simple and unostentatious dress suitable for an academic environment," said the notice.

Claiming that the dress code has been imposed on them without any kind of consultation, a section of students said they will launch an agitation on Monday. Educationists and activists too slammed the decision.

"This is clear infringement of the students' liberty. Such a diktat reflects the college's authoritarian attitude," said educationist Pabitra Sarkar. "In this age, issuing a diktat on college students about their attire is uncalled for," said activist Miratun Nahar.